Indiana law does not prohibit municipalities from enacting breed-specific dog ordinances, but Indiana Code 15-20-1-4 requires uniform standards for dangerous dog determinations. Local breed bans remain legally permitted under home rule authority.
Indiana Code 15-20-1 governs dangerous and vicious dogs statewide, defining standards for declaring a dog dangerous based on behavior rather than breed. Unlike many states, Indiana has not preempted local breed-specific legislation, leaving cities free to regulate or ban specific breeds under home rule (IC 36-1-3). Indianapolis-Marion County, for example, regulates dangerous dogs without breed bans, while smaller municipalities retain authority to enact breed-specific rules. State law focuses on individual dog behavior and owner liability rather than breed identity for dangerous-dog classification.
Owners of dogs declared dangerous face registration, insurance, containment, and muzzling requirements. Class B misdemeanor possible for noncompliance. Class C felony if dog kills a person.
See how Anderson's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.